Cedar Lake, IN – As the holiday season approaches, Indiana residents struggling with food, housing, heating, or mental health needs are being reminded that help is just three digits away.
According to the Cedar Lake Police Department, Indiana 211 is available statewide to connect Hoosiers with trusted local resources across all 92 counties. The free service helps residents quickly find assistance for basic needs, especially during the colder winter months when demand often increases.
Indiana 211 provides support for holiday meals and food programs, including Christmas meal sites, emergency food pantries, holiday food boxes, and community meals with extended winter hours. Families in need of warmth can also access winter shelter and heating assistance, such as warming centers, overnight emergency shelters, severe weather contingency shelters, and utility assistance programs.
The service also connects residents to holiday giving programs, including toy distributions and holiday clothing drives, helping families ensure children have essentials during the season.
Beyond physical needs, Indiana 211 offers mental health and crisis support, providing immediate emotional assistance, referrals to local counseling services, warm lines, crisis teams, and grief support resources. Officials emphasize that emotional support is just as critical as food and shelter during the holidays.
Residents can reach Indiana 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or calling 1-866-211-9966 to speak with a community navigator, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Text assistance is also available by texting a ZIP code to 898-211, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health or substance use crisis, officials urge calling 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 nationwide.
Local police encourage residents to share the information with neighbors, friends, or family members who may need help this holiday season.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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